Encasement for handheld computer

ABSTRACT

A handheld computer comprises a generally rectangular housing and a cover movably connected thereto by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a tubular member or arm that has one end fixedly (non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and an opposite end pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The hinge assembly enables the cover to be moved to at least three different positions. The cover provides a different function in each position. A method of reconfiguring an encasement of a handheld computer to provide at least two different functions includes rotating the cover about at least two different axes to move the cover between at least two different positions. The cover provides a different function in each position

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/352,785, filed Jan. 29, 2002, the entirety of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of handheld computers and,more particularly, to handheld computers having encasements that can bereconfigured to perform multiple functions. The present invention alsorelates to a method of repositioning an encasement of a handheldcomputer to provide multiple functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) andpalm-sized computers, traditionally provide the user with a wide varietyof functions, such as a calendar, an address book, a task list, anotepad, and a calculator. More advanced handheld computers also providethe user with functions such as email access, real-time internet accessand web browsing.

Most handheld computers, such as the PalmPilot™, Palm III™, Palm V™, andPalm VI™ organizers manufactured by the Palm Corporation, have an outerenclosure or housing consisting of mating front and back shells coupledtogether by screws. The front and back shells enclose the electroniccomponents of the handheld computer. Handheld computers typicallyinclude a display and one or more application buttons accessible on thefront of the computer. The display may be a touch-sensitive screen thataccepts entry from a stylus or pointer device, which often can be storedin a slot formed in the housing when not in use. The more advancedhandheld computers may also include components for enabling advancedfunctionality.

With most handheld computers, a separate flexible or rigid case isavailable for protecting the handheld computer, and particularly thedisplay screens, when not in use. These cases must be stored oraccounted for when the handheld computer is in use to prevent loss.

With certain handheld computers, a separate case is not required becausethe encasement or housing includes a hinged cover that can be pivotedfrom a closed position that protects the display to an open positionthat allows access to the display. In the most typical arrangements, thecover is hingedly attached to the computer housing by a pair of hingesthat allow the cover to pivot 180° to the side of the housing or 360° tothe rear of the housing. The 180° pivot arrangement (or book open style)can be disadvantageous when desk space is limited or the computer isbeing held in the user's hand because the “footprint” of the handheldcomputer is doubled in this configuration. The 360° pivot arrangementdoes not have the disadvantage of an increased footprint, however, theheretofore known 360° hinge arrangements are relatively complex multiplelinkage structures.

Another common aspect of handheld computers having hinged covers is thatthe display screens and application buttons typically face directlyupward when the computer is placed on a horizontal work surface. At thisangle, it can be difficult to operate the computer and view the displayscreen. To address this problem, it is known to provide a separate standor cradle that supports the computer housing at an angle relative to thehorizontal worksurface. However, the use of a separate cradle isdisadvantageous because, like the separate cases, the cradle must beseparately accounted for and stored when not in use. In addition, theheretofore known cradles are relatively bulky structures and thus theyare cumbersome to transport and store when not in use.

Although some recently designed handheld computers have encasements withhinged covers that can be reconfigured to function as a stand or base toposition the computer housing at a desirable working angle, the hingesof these arrangements are relatively complex multi-part structures.Moreover, the hinges typically allow rotation of the cover in verylimited ways.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a handheld computer with anencasement including a hinged cover having a simplified hinge structurethat enables the cover to be reconfigured in multiple ways to providemultiple functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a handheld computerprovided with an encasement including a cover that can be reconfiguredto multiple different positions for providing multiple differentfunctions.

According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, ahandheld computer comprises a housing and a cover movably connectedthereto by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables the cover to bemoved to at least three different positions. The cover provides adifferent function in each position.

According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, ahandheld computer comprises a housing and a cover movably connectedthereto by a unitary hinge assembly. The unitary hinge assembly enablesthe cover to be moved to at least two different positions. The coverprovides a different function in each position.

According to a further aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,a handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover movably connectedthereto by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly enables the cover to berotated about at least two different axes.

According to a different aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing, a cover, and meansfor pivotally coupling the cover to the housing to enable the cover forrotation about at least two different axes.

According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, amethod of reconfiguring an encasement of a handheld computer to provideat least two different functions comprises rotating the cover about atleast two different axes to move the cover between at least twodifferent positions. The cover provides a different function in eachposition.

These and other benefits and features of embodiments of the inventionwill be apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in connectionwith the following drawings in which like reference numerals are used toidentify like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a first embodiment ofa handheld computer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions duringtransition from a closed position to a stand position.

FIG. 2 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions duringtransition from a closed position to a stand position.

FIG. 3 is a rear, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions duringtransition from a closed position to a stand position.

FIG. 4 is a left side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG.1, the cover being shown in a stand position that enables the computerhousing to remain at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal surfaceon which it is placed.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of a handheldcomputer in accordance with the present invention, the cover being shownin a stand position that enables the computer housing to remain at aninclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which it is placed.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG.5.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of a handheldcomputer in accordance with the present invention, the cover being shownin a stand position that enables the computer housing to remain at aninclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which it is placed.

FIG. 10 is a rear, left side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG.9.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a handheldcomputer in accordance with the present invention, the cover being shownin a stand position that enables the computer housing to remain at aninclined angle relative to a horizontal surface on which it is placed.

FIG. 15 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a rear, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a right side elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG.14.

FIG. 19 is a front, right side perspective view of a fifth embodiment ofa handheld computer in accordance with the present invention, the coverbeing shown in a closed position that protects the display screen whennot in use.

FIG. 20 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 19, the cover being shown during transition from the closedposition to an open position.

FIG. 21 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 19, the cover being shown in a plurality of positions duringtransition from a closed position to an open position.

FIG. 22 is a rear, right side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 19, the cover being shown in a stand position that enables thecomputer housing to remain at an inclined angle relative to a horizontalsurface on which it is placed.

FIG. 23 is a rear, right side elevation view of the handheld computer ofFIG. 19, the cover being shown in an open position that allows thecomputer to lay flat on a horizontal surface or be held in a user'shand.

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG. 19, thecover being shown in the open position of FIG. 23 with the computerresting on a horizontal work surface.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the ball and socket arrangement of thehandheld computer of FIG. 19, taken along the line 25—25 in FIG. 19.

FIG. 26 is a front, left side perspective view of a sixth embodiment ofa handheld computer in accordance with the present invention, the coverbeing shown in a plurality of positions during transition from a closedposition to an open position.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 26, thecover being shown in a plurality of positions during transition from aclosed position to an open position.

FIG. 28 is an exploded left side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a left side perspective view of the handheld computer of FIG.26, the cover being shown in a stand position that enables the computerhousing to remain at a relatively small inclined angle relative to ahorizontal surface on which it is placed.

FIG. 30 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 26, the cover being shown in a stand position that enables thecomputer to remain at a relatively large inclined angle relative to ahorizontal surface on which it is placed.

Before explaining a number of preferred embodiments of the invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example,terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,”“inner,” and “outer” are used for convenience only in referring to thecomputer elements as oriented in the drawings and not intended to belimiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a portable electronic device, shownas, but not limited to, handheld computer 10 is depicted according to anexemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 10 may include Palm stylecomputers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif. Otherexemplary embodiments may include Windows CE handheld computers, orother handheld computers and personal digital assistants, as well asmobile telephones, and other mobile computing devices.

Preferably, handheld computer 10 includes memory, a processor, andinteractive hardware and software that performs functions such asmaintaining calendars, phone lists, task lists, notepads, calculatorapplications, spreadsheets, games, and other applications capable ofrunning on a computing device. Further, handheld computer 10 may beconfigured for such functions as voice memo recording and play back, aswell as communications network connectivity, internet connectivity andwireless telephony.

Handheld computer 10, depicted in FIGS. 1-4, includes a display screen12 along with a plurality of application buttons 14 and status lights16, all of which are mounted in an encasement 18.

Encasement 18 comprises a generally rectangular housing 20 and areconfigurable cover 22 hingedly connected thereto. Housing 20 includesopposed front and rear faces 24 and 26, opposed top and bottom edges 28and 30, and opposed left and right edges 32 and 34. Front face 24 has alarge, generally rectilinear opening 36 which provides visual andphysical access to display screen 12. Front face 24 also includes aplurality of smaller openings that allow access to application buttons14 and status lights 16. An antenna base 38 may be formed on right edge34 of housing 20 adjacent top edge 28 for pivotally mounting an antenna40 thereto. Antenna 40 facilitates wireless communication betweenhandheld computer 10 and other portable electronic devices, a basecomputer, or a network server having a compatible wireless communicationprotocol such as Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11. Housing 20 may also includeexpansion card slots, infra red ports, and one or more accessorial slots42 adapted to receive accessory devices such as a stylus 44 (see FIGS.19-24).

Returning to FIGS. 1-4, reconfigurable cover 22 is shown as a generallyflat, rectilinear plate that is configured to overlie and thus protectdisplay 12 when cover 22 is in a closed position. In this position,cover 22 may also cover some or all of application buttons 14 and/orstatus lights 16. Cover 22 is defined by opposed inner and outersurfaces 46 and 48, opposed relatively short top and bottom edges 50 and52, and opposed relatively long left and right side edges 54 and 56.

Cover 22 is pivotally connected to housing 20 by a unitary hingeassembly 58. Hinge assembly 58 comprises a single, generally tubularmember or arm 60 having a proximal end 62 secured to left edge 32 ofhousing 20 and an opposite distal end 64 secured to left edge 54 ofcover 22. Proximal end 62 of arm 60 is pivotally coupled to left edge 32of housing 20 by an arrangement that allows cover 22 to be moved betweenat least three different positions: a fully closed position, a standposition, and a fully open position. In the closed position, cover 22overlies display 12 to protect it from damage when computer 10 is not inuse. In the stand position (best seen in FIG. 4), cover 22 functions asan outrigger for maintaining housing 20 at an inclined angle relative toa horizontal worksurface 66 on which computer 10 is placed. Startingfrom the closed position, the stand position may be achieved by flippingcover 22 as shown by arrow 68 in one continuous motion. Hinge assembly22 may be spring loaded or otherwise biased to facilitate this openingmotion. In the fully open position (not illustrated in FIGS. 1-4), cover22 is located behind computer 10 with inner surface 46 of cover 22facing toward and closely adjacent or abutting rear face 26 of housing20.

The pivotal coupling between proximal end 62 of arm 60 and left edge 32of housing 20 may be provided by a ball and socket arrangement 70 or anyjoint structure capable of enabling cover 22 to be reconfigured to themultiple positions or orientations described above. Ball and socketarrangement 70 includes a ball 72 formed on proximal end 62 of arm 60and a mating socket 74 formed in left edge 32 of housing 20. Ball 72and/or socket 74 may be non-spherically shaped to provide arm 60 (andthus cover 22) with a natural spring bias to one or more of thepredefined positions. Additionally or alternatively, ball 72 may haveone or more flat spots thereon to provide arm 60 (and thus cover 22)with a tendency to remain in one or more of the predefined positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, distal end 64 of arm 60 is fixedly (i.e.,non-rotatably) attached to left edge 54 of cover 22 adjacent themidpoint thereof, and proximal end 62 of arm 60 is pivotally coupled toleft edge 32 of housing 20 substantially adjacent a horizontal midline76 of display 12 and housing 20. With this arrangement, bottom edge 52of cover 22 lies approximately in the same plane as a vertical midline78 of rear face 26 of housing 20 when cover 22 is in the stand position(see FIG. 3).

Encasement 18 may be formed of a lightweight and rigid material such asaluminum or a durable plastic, for example, ABS. In a preferredembodiment, housing 20 and cover 22 are made from magnesium. Housing 20and cover 22 may be cast or machined to the desired configurations.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, a second embodiment of a handheld computer110 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer 110 willbe generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer 10described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer 110 thatare substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheld computer10 will be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a“1”.

Handheld computer 110 differs from handheld computer 10 described abovein that proximal end 162 of arm 160 is pivotally coupled to left edge132 of housing 120 at a location that is substantially below horizontalmidline 176 of display 112 and housing 120. In addition, distal end 164of arm 160 is fixedly coupled to left edge 154 of cover 122 at a lowerlocation than described above for the attachment of arm 60 to cover 22.As a result, bottom edge 152 of cover 122 in the stand position does notlie substantially along vertical midline 178 of rear face 126 of housing120 (as was the case with computer 10) but instead is offset toward leftedge 132 of housing 120. In a preferred embodiment, bottom edge 152 ofcover 122 is offset from vertical midline 178 by about 12 mm.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, a third embodiment of a handheld computer210 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer 210 willbe generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer110 described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer 210that are substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheldcomputer 110 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “2” instead of a “1”.

Handheld computer 210 differs from handheld computer 110 described abovein that cover 222 when in the stand position is in a “portrait”orientation rather than a “landscape” as with cover 122. In particular,cover 222 in the stand position has top edge 250 resting on horizontalsupport surface 266 and corner 280 engaged with a well or recess 282formed in rear face 226 of housing 220. With this arrangement, rightedge 256 of cover 222 when in the stand position extends beyond verticalmidline 278 of rear face 226 of housing 220. In a preferred embodiment,right edge 256 of cover 222 extends beyond vertical midline 278 by about8 mm.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, a fourth embodiment of a handheld computer310 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer 310 willbe generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer 10described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer 310 thatare substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheld computer10 will be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a“3”.

Handheld computer 310 differs from handheld computer 10 described abovein that proximal end 362 of arm 360 is pivotally coupled to the midpointof bottom edge 330 of housing 320 rather than to the midpoint of leftside edge 332 (as with handheld computer 10). As a result, cover 322 inthe stand position has its inner surface 346 (rather than one of itsedges) in contact with horizontal support surface 366.

In FIG. 18, arrow 368 shows cover 322 being moved from the closedposition to the stand position by flipping cover 322 about an axis 384extending along bottom edge 330 of housing 320. When cover 322 hasachieved the position or orientation shown in FIG. 18, the outer curvedsurface of arm 360 will abut the bottom of a curved groove or channel386 formed in rear face 326 of housing 320 to prevent any furthermovement of cover 322 about axis 384 in the direction of arrow 368.Thus, cover 322 in the stand position will function as an outrigger thatmaintains housing 320 at an inclined angle relative to horizontalsurface 366.

To move cover 322 from the stand position shown in FIG. 18 to the fullyopen position, cover 322 is flipped about axis 384 against the directionof arrow 368 until arm 360 is sufficiently clear of curved groove 386.Once this is done, cover 322 can be rotated 180° about an axis 388extending through arm 360 so that the inner curved surface of arm 360 isfacing toward groove 386 and inner surface 346 of cover 322 is facingtoward rear face 326 of housing 320. At this point, cover 322 can againbe pivoted in the direction of arrow 368 to bring inner surface 346 ofcover 322 into abutting or closely conforming contact with rear face 326of housing 320. In this position, handheld computer 310 has asufficiently compact footprint that it can be easily held in a user'shand and requires relatively little space when placed on a worksurface.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, a fifth embodiment of a handheld computer410 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer 410 willbe generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer310 described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer 410that are substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheldcomputer 310 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “4” instead of a “3”.

Handheld computer 410 differs from handheld computer 310 described abovein that cover 422 is pivotally coupled to housing 420 by a ball andsocket arrangement 470 that allows cover 422 to be quickly and easilydetached and reattached without the use of tools. Thus, the user caneasily personalize computer 410 by substituting designer covers or otherobjects.

As best seen in FIG. 25, ball and socket arrangement 470 includes agenerally spherical ball 472 formed on proximal end 462 of arm 460 and amatching socket 474 formed on bottom edge 430 of housing 420. Inaddition, a pair of pistons or pads 490 and 492 may be mounted in anopposing relationship within socket 474 and biased toward each other bysuitable means such as a pair of springs (not shown). If housing 420 isparticularly thin or where desired for other purposes, bottom edge 430of housing 420 may be provided with enlarge ball surrounds 487 and 489for accommodating pads 490 and 492, respectively, and the associatedsprings therein. Pads 490 and 492 include inwardly facing concavesurfaces designed to match the generally spherical outer surface of ball472 to ensure that ball 472 remains securely captured therebetweenduring pivotal movement of cover 422.

With the foregoing structure, cover 422 can be readily detached fromhousing 420 by simply applying a downward force on cover 422 that issufficient to cause pads 490 and 492 to spread far enough apart thatball 472 snaps out of engagement with socket 474. Once this occurs,pistons 490 and 492 reconverge toward one another until they either comeinto abutting contact with each other or some other predefined stop.Cover 422 (or another object) can then be reattached to housing 420 bypositioning ball 472 below socket 474 and simply pushing upwardly oncover 422 with sufficient force to cause pistons 490 and 492 to separatefar enough apart that ball 472 snaps into place therebetween. Thisseparating operation may be facilitated by providing pads 490 and 492with ramped surfaces or cams 491 and 493, respectively (see FIG. 25).Once ball 472 has been centered between pistons 490 and 492, theconverging spring bias applied to pistons 490 and 492 will cause ball472 to remain firmly seated in socket 474.

Handheld computer 410 also differs from handheld computer 310 describedabove in that outer surface 448 of cover 422 has a plurality of flarededges or feet 496. Feet 496 function to stabilize handheld computer 410when cover 422 is in the fully open position and computer 410 is placedon a flat surface 466 as shown in FIG. 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-30, a sixth embodiment of a handheld computer510 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer 510 willbe generally limited to its differences relative to handheld computer 10described above. For convenience, elements of handheld computer 510 thatare substantially similar to corresponding elements of handheld computer10 will be identified by the same reference numerals but preceded by a“5”.

Handheld computer 510 differs from handheld computer 10 described abovein that cover 522 is pivotally coupled to housing 520 by a detachablehinge arrangement 570 that permits cover 522 to move about twotransversely extending axes. As best seen in FIG. 28, detachable hingearrangement 570 comprises a T-shaped arm 560 having a rod or pin 572configured for releasable slidable engagement with a slot or groove 574formed in left edge 532 of housing 520 and a transversely extending baseportion 575 secured to left edge 554 of cover 522. Base portion 575preferably includes a joint 598 that permits rotation of cover 522 abouta horizontal axis 588 extending through arm 560 as indicated by arrow567 in FIG. 26. In addition, hinge 570 permits rotation of cover 522about a vertical axis 584 extending along left edge 532 of housing 520as indicated by arrow 568 in FIG. 26.

With the forgoing structure, cover 522 can be rotated between severaldifferent positions to provide various distinct functions. For example,FIG. 27 shows a cover 522A in a closed position for protecting screen512. In addition, FIG. 27 shows a cover 522B in a book open position forworking on a flat surface. Starting from the closed position, the bookopen position can be achieved by folding the cover 180° outwardly aboutvertical axis 584. Also in FIG. 27, a cover 522C is shown in a videoviewing position in which housing 520 is at a relatively steep anglethat is particularly useful for watching video (see also FIG. 30).Starting from the book open position, the video watching position can beachieved by flipping the cover 180° about horizontal axis 588 (as shownby arrow 567 in FIG. 26) and then rotating the cover about vertical axis584 until cover 522C extends generally perpendicular to housing 520. Asanother example, FIG. 27 shows a cover 522D in an oblique working angleposition in which housing 520 is at a relatively shallow angle relativeto a horizontal work surface 566 (see also FIG. 29). Starting from thevideo viewing position, the oblique working angle position can beachieved by flipping the cover 90° further on horizontal axis 588.Finally, FIG. 27 shows a cover 522E in a fully open position that isparticularly useful when computer 510 is to be held in a user's hand orwhen the worksurface space is at a premium. Starting from the obliqueworking angle position, the fully open position can be achieved byflipping the cover 90° on horizontal axis 588 and further rotating thecover about vertical axis 584 until inner face 546 is facing toward andsubstantially flush with rear face 526 of housing 520.

An exemplary embodiment may utilize, be executed by, and/or be appliedin a handheld computer including a processor such as but not limited toa Dragonball processor running at clock speeds of 33 MHz, 66 MHz, orother clock speeds, the Dragonball processor being available fromMotorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. An exemplary handheld computer mayalso include, but is not limited to, four (4) megabytes (MB) of flashread only memory (ROM) for storing BIOS information, operating systeminformation, and other information. The flash ROM may be used to store,but is not limited to, any of a number of versions of the Palm operatingsystem (OS) available from Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. Further, anexemplary handheld computer may also include, but is not limited to,thirty-two (32) MB of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)for storing program information, and other information to be used by thehandheld computer. In an alternative embodiment, the handheld computermay also use a digital signal processor including an advanced RISCmachine (ARM) processor available from Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex.and may use, but is not limited to, a Linux based operating system.

It is important to note that the above-described preferred embodimentsof the encasements for handheld computers are illustrative only.Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatnumerous modifications are possible without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter describedherein. For example, although the covers are illustrated as beinggenerally rectangular flat plates, the cover could be of otherconfigurations. Accordingly, these and all other such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; and acover movably connected to the housing by a hinge assembly that enablesthe cover to be moved to at least three different positions, the coverproviding a different function in each position.
 2. The handheldcomputer of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly enables the cover to bemoved to a closed position, an open position, and a stand position. 3.The handheld computer of claim 2, wherein the cover in the closedposition is configured to protect a display screen, the cover in theopen position is configured to overly a rear face of the housing forpermitting access to the display screen, and the cover in the standposition forms an outrigger for maintaining the housing in an inclinedposition when placed on a horizontal surface.
 4. The hand held computerof claim 2, wherein the cover has an inner surface that faces thedisplay screen when the cover is in the closed position, the innersurface facing a rear face of the housing when the cover is in the openposition.
 5. The hand held computer of claim 2, wherein the cover has aninner surface that faces the display screen when the cover is in theclosed position, the inner surface abutting a horizontal support surfacewhen the cover is in the stand position.
 6. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a ball and socketarrangement.
 7. The handheld computer claim 6, wherein the ball andsocket arrangement allows the cover to be detached and reattached. 8.The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the ball and socketarrangement includes a ball connected to the cover and a correspondingsocket formed in an edge of the housing.
 9. The handheld computer ofclaim 8, further including a pair of pads located within the socket onopposite sides of the ball and biased against the ball.
 10. The handheldcomputer of claim 8, wherein the ball has a non-spherical outer surface.11. The handheld computer of claim 8, wherein the ball has an outersurface having one or more depressions.
 12. The handheld computer ofclaim 2, wherein the cover in the stand position has a corner thatengages a notch formed in a rear face of the housing to allow thehousing to remain in an inclined position when placed on a horizontalsurface.
 13. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the hingeassembly comprises a unitary tubular member that is fixedly connected toa first edge of the cover and pivotally connected to a second edge ofthe housing.
 14. The handheld computer of claim 13, wherein the tubularmember permits rotation of the cover about two different axes.
 15. Thehandheld computer of claim 14, wherein the tubular member includes aball and socket arrangement that permits rotation of the cover about afirst axis extending along an edge of the housing and a second axisextending through the tubular member.
 16. The handheld computer of claim15, wherein the ball and socket arrangement permits the cover to abut arear face of the housing when an inner face of the cover is orientedtoward the rear face of the housing, the ball and socket arrangementpreventing the cover from abutting the rear face of the housing when anouter face of the cover is oriented toward the rear face.
 17. A handheldcomputer, comprising: a housing; and a cover movably connected to thehousing by a unitary hinge assembly that enables the cover to be movedto at least two different positions, the cover providing a differentfunction in each position.
 18. The handheld computer of claim 17,wherein the unitary hinge assembly comprises an arm having one endconnected to the cover and an opposite end terminating in a ball, theball being configured to fit within a socket formed in an edge of thehousing.
 19. The handheld computer of claim 17, wherein the unitaryhinge assembly permits the cover to be detached and reattached.
 20. Thehandheld computer of claim 17, wherein the unitary hinge assemblypermits the cover to be moved to at least three different positionsincluding a closed position, an open position and a stand position. 21.A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; and a cover movablyconnected to the housing by a hinge assembly that enables the cover tobe rotated about at least two different axes.
 22. The handheld computerof claim 21, wherein the first axis extends along an edge of the housingand the second axis extends transversely to the edge of the housing. 23.The handheld computer of claim 21, wherein the hinge assembly comprisesa ball and socket arrangement.
 24. The handheld computer of claim 21,wherein the cover is rotatable about two different axes to at leastthree different positions, the cover providing a different function ineach position.
 25. The handheld computer of claim 24, wherein the hingeassembly enables the cover to assume a closed position, an openposition, and a stand position.
 26. The handheld computer of claim 25,wherein the cover in the closed position is configured to protect adisplay screen, the cover in the open position is configured to permitaccess to the display screen without increasing a footprint of thecomputer, and the cover in the stand position forms an outrigger formaintaining the housing in an inclined position when placed on ahorizontal surface.
 27. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; acover; and means for pivotally coupling the cover to the housing forrotation about two different axes.
 28. The handheld computer of claim27, wherein the pivotal coupling means comprises a ball and socketarrangement.
 29. The handheld computer of claim 27, wherein the pivotalcoupling means enables the cover to move between at least two differentpositions, the cover providing a different function in each position.30. The handheld computer of claim 27, wherein the pivotal couplingmeans enables the cover to move between at least three differentpositions, the cover providing a different function in each position.31. The handheld computer of claim 30, wherein the pivotal couplingmeans enables the cover to move between a closed position, an openposition, and a stand position.
 32. The handheld computer of claim 31,wherein the cover in the closed position is configured to protect a adisplay screen, the cover in the open position is configured to permitaccess to the display screen without increasing a footprint of thecomputer, and the cover in the stand position forms an outrigger formaintaining the housing in an inclined position when placed on ahorizontal surface.
 33. A method of reconfiguring an encasement of ahandheld computer to provide at least two different functions, theencasement including a housing and a cover pivotally connected thereto,the method comprising: rotating the cover about at least two differentaxes to move the cover between at least two different positions, thecover providing a different function in each position.
 34. The method ofclaim 33, wherein the cover is pivotally mounted to an edge of thehousing, and the rotating step includes rotating the cover about an axisextending generally parallel to the edge of the housing.
 35. The methodof claim 33, wherein the cover is pivotally mounted to an edge of thehousing, and the rotating step includes rotating the cover about an axisextending generally perpendicular to the edge of the housing.
 36. Themethod claim 33, wherein the cover in at least one of the positionsfunctions to protect the display screen from damage.
 37. The method ofclaim 33, wherein the cover in at least one of the positions functionsto maintain the housing at an inclined angle relative to a horizontalsurface on which the computer is placed.
 38. The method of claim 33,wherein the cover in at least one of the positions functions to permitaccess to the display screen.
 39. The method of claim 33, wherein thecover is pivotally connected to the housing by a ball and socketarrangement, and the rotating stop includes rotating the cover about thetwo different axes in a single continuous motion.